Rest in Power! The Life, Legacy & Mission of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Copyright 2020 by Stola Contemporary Art. The book author and each artist here retains sole copyright to their contributions to this book. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without prior permission in writing from Stola Contemporary Art, 3738 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618, 708-334-7062, www.StolaContemporaryArt.com

Catalog designed and edited by Karen M. Gutfreund, www.KarenGutfreund.com @karengutfreundart

Stola Contemporary Art

Rest in Power! The Life, Legacy & Mission of Ruth Bader Ginsburg 40 Artists respond to the Life and Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsberg

About the Gallery: We have an exciting curriculum planned for 2021 including readings, artist talks, workshops and thought provoking (and perhaps a bit controversial!) calls for art! The majority of the artists we work with are either Chicago based or have strong Chicago ties. Please stop by and visit to see what makes the Chicago Art scene so vibrant!

Stola Contemporary Art, 3738 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618, www.StolaContemporaryArt.com

Participating Artists: Joey Africa, Rene Arceo, Sandie Bacon, Nooreen Baig, Jenny E. Balisle, Donna Goetzke Bliss, Ronaldo Byrd, Michael Coakes, Sara Convery, Bryce Culverhouse, Austin Delano, Miren Etcheverry, David Feingold, Anne Farley Gaines, Stacey Gregory, Lourdes S. Guerrero, Karen M. Gutfreund, Irmina Haq, John Hatlestad, Deborah Hirshfield, Itala Langmar, Kelly Mathews, Avrel Menkes, Keri Mills, Heidi Nielson, Genevieve Nutley, Jim Parks, Diane Ponder, Adriana Poterash, Alice Revelski, Junad Rizki, Kathy Blankley Roman, Tom Rosenthal, Caren Helene Rudman, Heather Sepanik, Eileen Shaloum, Caren Shapiro, Kim Thorstenson, Maureen Warren, and Tamara Wasserman

Joey Africa

Chicago, IL artbyjoeyafrica.com @joeyafrica

RBG

60 x 48 inches Mixed media on canvas 2020 RBG’s accomplishments has been a modicum of benevolence. It has been continually shifting our society to be better. This, amongst many other blessings, is my why.

Rene Arceo

Chicago, IL ArceoPress.com @renearceo59

Monarca sobre Chicago, 2018

Linocut and watercolor 22 x 15 inches 2018

This Linocut with watercolor is an attempt to connect the place where I come from Michoacan (location of the Monarch Butterfly Santuary) and the place I now call home, Chicago. The first version of this print was made in 2003 as part of the print portfolio Bajo un Mismo Cielo (Under the Same Sky) where a group of 12 artists collaborated making prints on this theme. The image includes within the butterfly wings several faces, portraits of unidentified people.

Monarchs migrate South to the state of Michocan arriving in time for the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 and 2. Indigenous people believe that the butterflies are the spirits of their deceased relatives returning every year to rejoin the family for this occasion. The bottom section of the print shows several iconic buildings the city of Chicago is known for. The city of the big shoulders supports the migrating butterflies who like me have migrated to this country.

Rene Arceo

Chicago, IL ArceoPress.com @renearceo59

Flowering Head

Linocut print 22 x 30 inches 2019

During this time period (2020) of unprecedented experiences in our lifetime, like many other artists I have tried to reflect and respond through my graphic images. I created three prints in response to those experiences to create a snapshot of societal aspects that have worried me. One of these prints deals with the fact that so many Latinos, in particular Mexican like myself, have been disproportionally affected in Chicago by covid-19 and yet they are standing and surviving this onslaught. The print of Flowering Head evokes the same idea of resilience and survival from an earthy and spiritual sense. A face nurtured by the earth grows and awakes from some bad dream and becomes conscious. There is a sense of strength and quietness within the face, which can symbolize humankind.

Rene Arceo

Chicago, IL ArceoPress.com @renearceo59

Do you get it?

Linocut and acrylic 12 x 19 inches 2020

The idea of this print comes from the fact that on this planet there is only one race; the human race. What I mean by this is that all superficial differences on people appear differently because their geographic origin, history, lineage, topography, climate and environment have influenced and shaped the way they look. A person in the mountains of Mexico or Peru would need shorter body and strong legs to go up and down the mountains and some protection against the sun so the melanin would kick in to protect the skin resulting in a brownish color. Likewise, someone in Africa would need long legs and body to move across long distances on flat terrain and lots of melanin to protect against the intense sun resulting in a much darker skin. People who live in icy northern countries have much lighter skin because they are seldom exposed to the sun and thus they have no melanin in their bodies. There is no mystery, it has been scientifically proven that genetically we are the same underneath our skin color.

Sandie Bacon

Lake Bluff,, IL sandiebaconfineart.com

RGB, Lace Collar

Acrylic on yupo 18 x 24 inches 2020

Sandie Bacon

Lake Bluff,, IL sandiebaconfineart.com

Across the Universe

Acrylic on yupo 18 x 24 inches 2020

Nuit is an ancient Egyptian goddess, who bridges the divide between the Earth and the heavens, and chaos and cosmic order.

The sun and moon and the stars pass through her body daily. Other symbols of Egyptian justice are included: an ostrich feather-symbol of cosmic goodness, and the scale of justice where a human heart is weighed against an ostrich feather to determine where the soul will go for its afterlife.

Nooreen Baig

Oak Park, IL @nooreenbaigart

The Future is Female

Watercolor on paper 12 x 9 inches 2020

Portraits of artists, politicians, and activists who through their work have broken or are currently challenging gender and socio-spheres as these spheres evolve and change throughout history. The design itself was inspired by some of the classic protest signs from the women’s rights movement and from the civil rights movement.

Nooreen Baig

Oak Park, IL @nooreenbaigart

Portrait of RBG

Watercolor on paper 12 x 9 inches 2020 In this portrait wanted to highlight RBG’s soft spoken nature that she is remembered for, through the softness of watercolor. At the same time I wanted to make sure to capture the piercing effect of her iconic and powerful pose.

I wanted this piece to include an soft feel while at the same time conveying intensity and boldness, especially when taking a closer look. I think these characteristics support how many people responded to the nature of the late RBG, especially before and after a case.

Jenny E. Balisle

Richmond, CA jennyebalisle.com @jennyebalisle

WHY CONTROL MY BODY AND VOTE?

Custom embroidery on fabric 5 x 5 x .25 inches 2019

My art practice investigates symbols of influence and power that impact perception. A custom embroidery represents how sexism is interwoven into structures of power. 2020 is the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment allowing women the right to vote in America. The Trump presidency systemically hindered women’s rights and choice. The Handmaid’s Tale is a real possibility if religious doctrine becomes law-limiting options. Women, not politicians, should control their bodies.

A custom embroidery represents how sexism is interwoven into structures of power. 2020 is the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment allowing women the right to vote in America. President Trump and Vice President Pence have systemically hindered women’s rights and choice. The Handmaid’s Tale is a real possibility if religious doctrine becomes law-limiting options.

Jenny E. Balisle

Richmond, CA jennyebalisle.com @jennyebalisle

DANGER OWNER-OPERATOR CONTROLLED VAGINAS

Acrylic 8 x 8 x 3 inches 2020

My art practice investigates symbols of influence and power that impact perception. A standard projecting sign is repurposed by altering its function. The Trump presidency systemically hindered women’s rights and choice. The Handmaid’s Tale is a real possibility if religious doctrine becomes law-limiting options. Women, not politicians, should control their bodies.

A standard projecting sign is repurposed by altering its function.

Since taking office, President Trump and Vice President Pence have systemically hindered women’s rights and choice. The Handmaid’s Tale is a real possibility if religious doctrine becomes law-limiting options. Women, not politicians, should control their bodies.

Jenny E. Balisle

Richmond, CA jennyebalisle.com @jennyebalisle

CAUTION PATRIARCHY DISRUPTION ZONE

Acrylic 8 x 8 x 3 inches 2020

My art practice investigates symbols of influence and power that impact perception. 2020 is the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote in America. Hillary Clinton received 2,868,691 more votes than Donald J. Trump. His presidency was greeted with the Women’s March, confronted by sexual abuse victims, and ultimately ignited the #metoo revolution. Sexism is interwoven into systemic discrimination and progress (aka “equality”) feels like oppression to the privileged. Women will continue to disrupt power structures and reclaim equality.

Clinton received 2,868,691 more votes than Trump. President Trump was greeted with the Women’s March, confronted by sexual abuse victims, and ultimately ignited the #metoo revolution. Sexism is interwoven into systemic discrimination and progress (aka ‘equality’) feels like oppression to the privileged. Women will continue to disrupt power structures and reclaim equality.

Donna Goetzke Bliss

Wilmette, IL @dgblissful

Marching for Peace

Mixed materials 30 x 14 inches 2020

During the time of Covid 19 crisis and our racial unrest I have deeply connected to the Mothers who have experienced deep loss. Marching for Peace reflects that sense of love and loss for all women.

Donna Goetzke Bliss

Wilmette, IL @dgblissful

Marching with RBG

Mixed materials 34 x 24 inches 2020

The Democratic National Convention inspired my Marching with RBG piece. When they held the “Year of the Woman� tribute my heart soared with the strength and beauty of all women.

Donna Goetzke Bliss

Wilmette, IL @dgblissful

Marching for tRuth

Mixed materials 20 x 22 inches 2020

Marching for tRuth truly channeled the legacy of RBG and how her

strength and beauty lives in all of us. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been an inspiration for me for my adult life. Her passing left a huge hole in the fight for equality. This piece embodies all of the women past, present and future that her legacy has benefited.

Ronaldo Byrd

Burlington, NJ ronaldos-art-corner.myshopify.com @artistlization1

Ruthless

Acrylic, pen, paper 22 x 28 inches 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my definition of a good kind of ‘Ruthless’.

And now unfortunately, we are.

Michael Coakes

Park Ridge, IL michaelcoakesart.com @michaelcoakesart

Atlasina

Archival ink on cotton rag stock 18 x 18 inches 2017 This image came from my notion that women, more than men, carry the weight of the world and are far better at managing it.

Sara Convery

Chicago, IL @sara.peak.convery

I Pledge

Latex and acrylic paint, pencil and ink on wood panelling 48 x 48 x 2 inches 2020 Beliefs I hold strong and believe that RBG did as well. This work is an abbreviated 4H Pledge.

Sara Convery

Chicago, IL @sara.peak.convery

Free To Be

Latex and acrylic paint on recycled flag material 56 x 20 inches 2020 Beliefs I hold strong and believe that RBG did as well. This work is text painted on retired flag material from Puri Keeling Peace Plaza in Rockford, IL.

Sara Convery

Chicago, IL @sara.peak.convery

Hope Matters

Latex and acrylic paint on recycled flag material 60 x 24 inches 2020 Beliefs I hold strong and believe that RBG did as well. This work is text painted on retired flag material from Puri Keeling Peace Plaza in Rockford, IL.

Sara Convery

Chicago, IL @sara.peak.convery

13 Stripes

Latex and acrylic paint on recycled flag material 136 x 24 inches 2020 Beliefs I hold strong and believe that RBG did as well. This work is text painted on retired flag material from Puri Keeling Peace Plaza in Rockford, IL in memory of George Floyd.

Sara Convery

Chicago, IL @sara.peak.convery

Are We Failing or Falling?

Latex and pencil on wood paneling 48 x 48 x 2 inches 2020 Beliefs I hold strong and believe that RBG did as well. This work is in reference to lyrics from the musical ‘Hair’.

Bryce Culverhouse

Brownsburg, IN @culverhousebryce

The Notorious RBG

Inkjet on vinyl mounted to Gatorfoam 23 x 21 inches 2020 While creating my typography based art and having an endless list of well-known people as possibilities one person immediately moved to the forefront...Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Most of my friends requested that I create a piece of art honoring her legacy.

With no hesitation I started researching her landmark Supreme Court cases along with her com-ments about them. We all know how much she has done for women’s rights and others but what amazed me is how she has improved the lives of so many people.

I’ve included some of her land­mark cases as the text for this art.

RBG was considered a rebel and a fighter with a take no prisoners approach. Her relentless energy has served us all well.

Having realized that all of my previous pieces were of people who were already deceased I’m proud to say that The Notorious RBG as I titled her piece was the first living person that I created art for. I had always hoped that she would someday be able to see my art and how I honored her legacy. Sadly, that never happened but I’m comforted in the fact that her spirit will live forever not only in the art that I create but all the artists in this exhibition who honor her in their own way.

Ruth...we love you FOREVER! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Austin Delano

Evansville, IN

Ruth

Bronze 12 x 12 x 8 inches 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsburg was and continues to be a revolutionary figure in United States culture and politics. For this piece I wanted to call upon the long history of honoring such figures in bronze. This medium carries its own historical significance of honor and respect.

Miren Etcheverry

Cambridge, MA mirenetcheverry.com @etchephoto

RBG, a Triptych

Pigment print on canvas 19 x 13 inches 2020 This portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is from my Oh My Goddess! series, which celebrated the women who have influenced me.

Miren Etcheverry

Cambridge, MA mirenetcheverry.com @etchephoto

RBG #1

Pigment print on canvas 24 x 16 inches 2020

Miren Etcheverry

Cambridge, MA mirenetcheverry.com @etchephoto

RBG #2

Pigment print on canvas 24 x 16 inches 2020

Miren Etcheverry

Cambridge, MA mirenetcheverry.com @etchephoto

RBG #3

Pigment print on canvas 24 x 16 inches 2020

Miren Etcheverry

Cambridge, MA mirenetcheverry.com @etchephoto

RBG #4

Pigment print on canvas 24 x 16 inches 2020

David Feingold

Freeland, MI feinart.me

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Supreme

Digital 16 x 24 inches 2020

“We should not be held back from pursuing our full talents, from contributing what we could contribute to the society, because we fit into a certain mold―because we belong to a group that historically has been the object of discrimination.” RBG This quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg can pertain to all groups that have and continue to be held back due to discrimination and ignorance. I can relate to this quote, as someone with bipolar disorder—a ‘member’ of a group that is harshly condemned, feared and discriminated against. As such, I offer her praise and appreciation for championing the cause of so many people who are kept down and kept out for merely being who they are.

Anne Farley Gaines

Chicago, IL annefarleygaines.com @annefarleygaines

Friendship Above Dissent Watercolor 22 x 30 inches 2020

As an individual I strive to embrace all humanity in my daily thoughts and devotions. Many times, that carries over into my ceramics, murals, and paintings. I have found this time of political divisiveness to be very troublesome, as it has compromised families and friendships; therefore I found this exhibition to be the perfect opportunity to produce a double portrait of the honorable Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. The two of them were known to have completely opposing viewpoints fairly often in court, Ruth being a staunch liberal, Antonin a conservative and a Constitutionalist. “Friendship Above Dissent” encapsulates their love of law and of the opera, outside of court.

As an opera enthusiast myself, I am deeply moved by their common interest. In this portrait, I included a small ‘gallery’ of images pertaining to the two of them, among them their iconic trip to India in which they rode an elephant together and a photo taken of them at the performance of the opera written about the two of them by contemporary composer, Derrick Wang. Ruth’s favorite opera scene was the “Immolation” scene from Wagner’s Gotterdammerung. It is one of a few symbols pertaining to Ruth, some hidden, some overt. Look closely and you might find them!

Stacey Gregory

Salinas , CA skgregoryart.com @skgregoryart

The Penny Test - Ledbetter v Goodyear

Goodyear tire, Swarovski crystals, pennies, convex mirror 26 x 9 inches 2020 RBG slew the Giant Tire Company in her scathing dissenting opinion in “Ledbetter v Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company” resulting in President Obama signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. It was the first act he signed as president. Justice Ginsburg considered the law’s passage one of her greatest achievements.

Lilly Ledbetter was not the only woman underpaid at Goodyear.

One woman witness testified that as a supervisor, she was paid less than the men she supervised. In my piece, as a play on “the penny test”, a used Goodyear tire balances on pennies inserted in the treads representing the backs of the women upon which that tire company was built. The pennies circle the inside and creep up the treads like flames. The convex mirror “hubcap” challenges the viewer to contemplate the power of dissent in her own reflection.

The Goodyear logo and “dissent” are in the shade of red that was RBG’s favorite lipstick color. Her signature “dissent collar” is recreated in two shades of Swarovski crystals that trail up the tire sides like heavenly constellations. In her dissent and challenge to Congress, Justice Ginsburg owned Goodyear and we women are forever in her debt.

Stacey Gregory

Salinas , CA skgregoryart.com @skgregoryart

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (series KLUCKED!)

Oil on canvas, black frame 16 x 12 (framed) 2018

My series KLUCKED! begins and ends with iconic women. Dame Helen Mirren began the series after I saw her read the poem “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson on “Late Night with Stephen Colbert” and I thought, ‘That woman deserves a chicken.’ After “Dame Helen Mirren”, I painted the entire Kardashian family as ornamental chickens, Gaga, Britney Spears, among others, and I left it up to the viewer as to whether these surrealist portraits were tributes or trolls.

There is no question, however, as to my intention in my tribute to RBG. I researched her dissent collar and earrings, eyeglasses and eye color, and lip (beak) hue to give her chicken an air of wisdom and benevolence. Being soft-spoken and diminutive belied her tenacity as a fierce champion for women’s rights, systematically attacking long held gender discrimination practices in the workplace. Flourishing in the face of adversity, with a legacy that will inspire and affect women for generations, made Ruth Bader Ginsburg the perfect subject with which to end my series,

KLUCKED!

Lourdes S. Guerrero

Chicago, IL lourdesguerrero.com

Here Comes the Judge: Next Generation

Cotton 29 x 24 inches 2020

A little woman in black who wore a crocheted lacy collar is what she looked like but Ruth Bader Ginsburg was much more than that.

She had an inner fire which drove her to speak truth to power and served as an inspiration for women everywhere. My works are an homage in homage to those two aspects.

Lourdes S. Guerrero

Chicago, IL lourdesguerrero.com

Fire Collar: Give ‘Em Hell, RGB!

Red synthetic-wrapped wire 20 x 18 inches 2020

A little woman in black who wore a crocheted lacy collar is what she looked like but Ruth Bader Ginsburg was much more than that.

She had an inner fire which drove her to speak truth to power and served as an inspiration for women everywhere. My works are an homage in homage to those two aspects.

Karen M. Gutfreund

Syracuse, NY karengutfreund.com @karengutfreundart

Notorious

Mixed media on canvas, acrylic, resin 12 x 16 inches 2020 “Notorious”—this word has been commandeered by and is synonymous with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and rightfully so. RBG is an icon: a brilliant intellectual, incredibly hardworking to the very end, cultured, soft-spoken yet a powerhouse. She earned the nickname “Notorious RBG” for her relentless pursuit of social justice, her acerbic dissenting opinions and fight for equality, legal protection, freedom, and better future for all.

Karen M. Gutfreund

Syracuse, NY karengutfreund.com @karengutfreundart

I Dissent

Mixed media on canvas, acrylic, resin 12 x 16 inches 2020 “I Dissent”—this phrase is now also synonymous with Ruth Bader Ginsburg who wrote some very powerful dissents. She became especially known for wearing a different type of jabot (kind of a cross between a collar and a necklace) when she had written one and would pull out her notorious “dissenting collar” whenever she wanted to communicate her condemnation (such as the day after Trump’s election, even though the court didn't issue any decisions that day). Small but mighty, I’m inspired by how RBG could get her message across without saying a word.

Karen M. Gutfreund

Syracuse, NY karengutfreund.com @karengutfreundart

Relentless Optimism

Mixed media on canvas, acrylic, resin 16 x 20 inches 2020 “Relentless Optimism”. Being optimistic is one of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s qualities I admire, and a strong factor in her successes, always moving forward to create positive results. RBG’s mother advised her not to waste time on useless emotions like anger, resentment, remorse and envy. When she did experience these emotions, Ruth would practice the piano. "I wasn't very good at it, but it did distract me from whatever useless emotion I was feeling at the moment," Ginsburg said. Channeling negativity into a positive is aspirational, particularly with the discouragement she encountered early in her career in not being hired due to her gender.

Irmina Haq

Long Beach, CA @phoenixtheartistla

IWD2018

Colored pencil and pen on mixed media paper 24 x 18 inches 2018 This is my tribute to International Women’s Day and the modern joy and struggle synonymous with womanhood. I submitted this as my way of honoring what Justice Ginsburg meant to me as a woman.

John Hatlestad

Grayslake, IL Hatlestadstudio/facebookcom

Indefatigable

Wood and metal 6 x 56 x 18 inches This is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of Ruth Ginsburg.

Justice is always an uphill battle on an uneven road

Deborah Hirshfield

Evanston, IL deborahhirshfield.com @deborahhirshfield

Hands Vulvas Knees and Toes

Dyed, molded, sewn silk, metal, motorized 60 x 16 x 16 inches 2020

Hands Vulvas Knees and Toes is a response to the NYTimes,

2/18/20 article by Emma Goldberg, “An Unsettling Practice,” exposing the current medical profession’s practice of allowing interns to perform pelvic exams on unconscious women without prior consent. Another illustration of societal dominion over women’s bodies that in light of the Supreme Court’s replacement for our beloved RBG, will probably go unaddressed and unpublicized to the public at large.

Itala Langmar

Kenilworth, IL

Homage to RBG

Acrylic on canvas w/extinct hand-made Korean paper and embedded poem by artist 18 x 18 inches 2020 An artist from the age of 6, trained in Italy in the style of the chiaroscuro of the Venetian masters, I became an abstract painter and a poet. My work now reflects both interests. I am completing a series of work in homage of women artists I admire. RBG is one of my most inspiring subjects. My poem about her, embedded in this abstract circle of perfection, tells exactly of my regard for her. She is a star.

Kelly Mathews

Chicago, IL arrivisteart.wordpress.com @arrivisteart

Skin

Encaustic, pastel, carbon 48 x 33 x 2 inches each 2020 My work is a visual reaction to our absurd inability to relate to each other simply as human beings. We inherently register race, sex, age and ethnicity before we delve beneath the surface to the core of who someone IS. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a personal hero to me because she made Equality her life. Her work and energy have improved the lives of millions, and her impact on this country is only beginning to be realized. It is our job as artists, orators, and activists to keep her mission alive.

Kelly Mathews

Chicago, IL arrivisteart.wordpress.com @arrivisteart

Who Owns This

Encaustic, oil paint, carbon, gold leaf 24 x 24 x 1.5 inches each 2017 With Justice Ginsburg’s death, we’ve lost a champion, a truth teller, and a vote. Those who care about abortion, and gender equity, have reason to worry.

Avrel Menkes

Bellmore, NY AvrelArt.com

The Spoken Word

Acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas 48 x 48 x 1.5 inches 2020 The scale to which I have painted RBG is in proportion to the person she was: BIGGER THAN LIFE. Her famous words in red script juxtaposed in the background are meant to define her and entice the viewer to look beyond the pictorial portrait.

This dimension symbolizes the fullness she has created for our nation, especially the advancement of equality for women and women’s rights. My hope is for the viewer to better understand this tribute to our Notorious RBG as it represents perhaps the most important woman of our lifetime.

Keri Mills

Arvada, CO @kerimills_fibre

Shattering Ceilings

Art quilt, fibre appliquĂŠ of a watercolor painting printed on fabric, then pieced with commercial fabrics.

Hand-dyed fabric by Barbara Olson.

32 x 30 inches 2020 As women, we are doing better in the corporate world than we ever have, but we still have far to go. Our work is unfinished as we fight for equal pay and equal consideration. This piece is about shattering the glass ceilings and breaking out of the boxes in which we are placed. Originally inspired by Picasso’s Weeping Women series, I changed the male perspective of women as victims by portraying the strength women get from surviving. This is a piece in my survivor series, that celebrates the perseverance of women. The work was completed the day RBG passed, so it is dedicated to her fighting spirit.

Heidi Nielson

Washington, DC desert2district.com @heidinielson.art

Ruth of Brooklyn - Patron Saint of Ambitious Women

Digital painting, printed with ink and gold foil on heavy cardstock and framed in hand-gilded frame 11 x 14 inches 2020

As a lawyer by day, Justice Ginsburg has been a source of so much inspiration and hope for me both personally and professionally. My portraiture work in particular is meant to celebrate her legacy and smaller prints of this work are sold in my Etsy shop to benefit public interest lawyers.

Heidi Nielson

Washington, DC desert2district.com @heidinielson.art

soul sister no. 1 - shine on

Gouache, watercolor and gold foil on paper 10 x 7 inches 2020 As a lawyer by day, Justice Ginsburg has been a source of so much inspiration and hope for me both personally and professionally. My portraiture work in particular is meant to celebrate her legacy. soul sister no. 1 is a meditation on letting yourself shine.

Heidi Nielson

Washington, DC desert2district.com @heidinielson.art

soul sister no. 2 - feel your feelings

Gouache, watercolor and gold foil on paper 10 x 7 inches 2019 As a lawyer by day, Justice Ginsburg has been a source of so much inspiration and hope for me both personally and professionally. My portraiture work in particular is meant to celebrate her legacy. soul sister no. 2 celebrates Novembers full moon. She is a meditation on learning that feeling uncomfortable feelings is ok and healthy.

Genevieve Nutley

Chicago, IL genevievenutleysilva.com @iwarriorprincess

Your Honor

Mixed Media, watercolor, acrylic, pen on canvas 11 x 14 inches 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a champion of women’s rights. As a feminist, activist and student majoring in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, I’m inspired by the legacy Ruth Bader Ginsburg leaves behind. I dedicate this painting to both Justice Ginsberg and my Aunt Debbie, who graduated law school in 1986 and became a leader and spent her career trailblazing just as Justice Ginsberg did, I hope to carry on their examples of integrity, leadership and justice.

Jim Parks

Evanston, IL jimparksartist.com @jimparks1994

Notorious

Wire, various gauges 28 x 22 inches 2020 RBG has become in iconic image in the American cultural environment. Her influence on the move toward equality can never be overestimated, and her image evokes the national push toward forming a more perfect union. It’s an honor to pay homage to her.

She was small, but she was ‘wiry!’

Jim Parks

Evanston, IL jimparksartist.com @jimparks1994

Build A Just World

Repurposed lauan 42 x 24 inches 2019

This work is a wall sculpture on the subject of justice. The words read ‘BUILD A WORLD THAT IS JUST’ in the shape of the timbers of a house. The shape of the piece forms an exclamation point, with the portrait of a young child in the dot...symbolizing the justice we would like to build for the following generations. RGB continues to be an inspiration to little girls like this one, modeled by my granddaughter.

Jim Parks

Evanston, IL jimparksartist.com @jimparks1994

American Oligarch

Repurposed lauan, acrylic paint, and wire 43 x 43 inches 2020 American justice has been challenged like never before in the last four years. This piece conveys the control one person has held over government, with a large hand holding wires around the necks of three key supporters. Those supporters, in turn, hold wires around the necks of more supporters...on down the line. The ones at the bottom are faring badly...an allegory of power and fear.

Jim Parks

Evanston, IL jimparksartist.com @jimparks1994

Nevertheless She Persisted Wire of various gauges 24 x 30.5 inches 2020

Mitch McConnell shut down Elizabeth Warren on the floor of the Senate earlier this year. Later, he said these words about her, which instantly became a rallying cry for women’s justice.

Diane Ponder

Oak Park, IL artsy/ponderart.net https://meliihgo.wixsite.com/dponderart @ponderart

Nine Ruths

Spray paint, ink and acrylic and oil paint 30 x 36 x 1.5 inches 2020 The relationship between art and the Supreme Court is essentially to maintain freedom of expression and the construct of civilization we rely on in our culture. So that we can reach our dreams and maintain community. Ruth Bader Ginsberg was an enduring symbol of crossover and commentary in the court. She stood out as a female and classic liberal. The portrait in part refers to a statement She made about wishing for nine women on the court. “When I'm sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, 'When there are nine,' people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that. “ Ruth Bader Ginsberg There are partial portraits of emerging future female justices in her wake surrounding her in the painting.

Photo credit: Sarah Rehmer

Adriana Poterash

Evanston , IL adrianapoterash.com

The Squad

Paper, framed, under glass 20 x 28 inches 2020 The Squad has become a symbol of a young generation of women in politics with new visions, integrity, equality and strength. They cooperate, keep their strength hold and support each other. Like the pearls of Ruth Bader—they are keeping together and break free to fly high.

Alice Revelski

Chicago, IL AliceSharieRevelski.com

Best Friends

Acrylic on board 6 x 9 inches 2020 I hope that my paintings can resurrect the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Alice Revelski

Chicago, IL AliceSharieRevelski.com

Ghost

Acrylic on board 28 x 11 inches 2019 I hope that my paintings can resurrect the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Junad Rizki

Evanston, IL @streetartistjr

Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Andersonville Chicago

Acrylic and Marker 24 x 18 inches 2020

I was interested in creating a fun piece, rather than a portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I thought of creating something a bit make believe.

Her sitting in Andersonville in Chicago, in front of Hamburger Mary’s, Andersonville ( which is now closed) being a diverse area I thought it fit in with her ideas. I added the flags, thinking of some of the pieces I have seen by impressionists. My two dogs are in the picture as well as a little girl who was petting them in Chicago and an angel like figure. In the background is Puppet Theatre, another item from Andersonville. The piece reads more as a cityscape, than a piece too connected with her, but she is still in the piece, you have to look closely.

Kathy Blankley Roman

Chicago, IL KBRomanArt.com @kbromanart

A Higher Path

Acrylics and mixed drawing media on canvas 25 x 34 inches 2020 Throughout her life, RBG persistently fought against barriers; believed in building bridges while cautioned against burning them.

She served as a voice of reason, as a leader and as a figure of wisdom, living her life with courage, determination and idealism, tirelessly fighting for equality and for individual freedoms...without rancor, with grace, always seeking the high ground.

Kathy Blankley Roman

Chicago, IL KBRomanArt.com @kbromanart

Holding It All Together

Encaustic monotypes and encaustic collage with mixed media on mat board and watercolor paper 14 x 11 inches (framed) 2016 RBG wanted to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair the tears in her society, to make things a little bit better through the use of whatever ability she had.

Tom Rosenthal

Brooklyn, NY @tom_rosenthal13

RBG 1933-2020

Acrylic on paper 11 x 14 inches 2020

Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a pioneer in the legal pursuit of equal rights for all. Her passing came at a particularly charged time. Her hasty replacement was a master class in crass political hypocrisy from the Right. This design came about spontaneously the day we learned RBG died. I was gratified to have found a file photograph to work from that showed the diminutive Justice with her fists raised, ‘dukes up’. I could not think of a more appropriate image of the ‘David’ she represented against the ‘Goliath’ of systemic inequity.

Caren Helene Rudman Highland Park, IL carenhelenerudman.com @carenhelene

Day 187 of Quarantine Work

Acrylic on paper 36 x 24 inches 2020

As the official quarantine began, I declared my intention on Instagram to create and post a new piece of art everyday. Each post reflects the emotion and politics of the day, marking this unique time. On the sad day of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s death I wrote, “How could i have known the impending sadness of the passing of RBG...Her legacy will endure well beyond this brutal political tenor. She is an inspiration to ALL women and men.”

Day 187 of quarantine work. How could I have known the impending sadness of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg!! As she died on the ere of Rosh Shana it is particularly heavy and somber.

Her legacy will endure well beyond this brutal political tenor. She is an inspiration to ALL women and men!! Although this piece was not made directly in response, there is a sense of chaos reflected.

Caren Helene Rudman Highland Park, IL carenhelenerudman.com @carenhelene

Day 209 of Quarantine Work

Acrylic on paper 24 x 36 inches 2020

Day 209 of quarantine work. This piece is inspired by the endless calls and texts with the amazing women in my life—from my beautiful daughters and daughter in law to my incredible friends near and far. We are all worried but we have hope in each other.

Caren Helene Rudman Highland Park, IL carenhelenerudman.com @carenhelene

Day 223 of Quarantine Work

Acrylic on paper 36 x 24 inches 2020

Day 223 of quarantine work. This piece took 2 days. I struggled and debated giving up and pitching it. Then, I realized I have to accept the messiness of what this means.

Caren Helene Rudman Highland Park, IL carenhelenerudman.com @carenhelene

Day 255 of Quarantine Work

Acrylic on paper 24 x 36 inches 2020

Day 255 of Quarantine Work. A piece inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsberg—a perfect Thanksgiving post. A friend today sent a text to a group that said enjoy and be grateful for whoever is at your table. It struck me that even though this is an unusual dinner and that my usual big loud warm family is not all together, our connections runs far deeper than distance. For that I am grateful.

Caren Helene Rudman Highland Park, IL carenhelenerudman.com @carenhelene

Day 257 of Quarantine Work

Acrylic on paper 24 x 36 inches 2020

Day 257 of Quarantine Work. Another inspired by the small but mighty RBG as we push forward, rise up, and persevere!

Heather Sepanik

Chicago , IL heatherpaints.com

Fist of Ruth

Oil 20 x 17 inches 2020 Ruth was a powerful woman. She will be missed.

Eileen Shaloum

Long Beach, NY eileenshaloum.com @eileenshaloum

Ode to an American Treasure

Collaged magazine and newspaper clippings, acrylic paint, pencil 30 x 40 x 1.5 inches 2020 Ode to an American Treasure is my response to the untimely passing of our true ‘American Idol’, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As an American icon she was also known as Notorious RBG, and she acknowledged and embraced the term. So it seemed fitting for me to represent her not only respectfully, but with as much personality and humor as she would acknowledge in herself. Created within a week to the day of her passing it is made with love using acrylic paint and newspaper clippings. Nobody will ever replace her.

Caren Shapiro

East Stroudsburg, PA carenjoshapiro.com

Great again for who?

Canvas 36 x 24 inches 2020

In the United States, Black people are killed in cold blood and justice is nowhere to be found. Black Lives Matter now and always.

Kim Thorstenson

Chicago, IL kimthorstenson.com

RBG Collars

Paper 16 x 16 inches (framed) 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a quiet giant. Proving work ethic, intelligence and persistence can upend the status quo. She is a classic American Hero. Ruth Bader Ginsburg started wearing collars with her robe from the very beginning of her time on the bench. The reason she explained was because robes were designed to show a mans shirt and tie. Her collars were not only for show, subtle meaning was attached to many, including the famous dissenting collar she wore the day after Trumps election.

Kim Thorstenson

Chicago, IL kimthorstenson.com

RBG

Paper 26 x 20 inches (framed) 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a quiet giant. Proving work ethic, intelligence and persistence can upend the status quo. She is a classic American Hero.

Maureen Warren

Chicago, IL maureenwarrenstudio.com

RBG for Justice Barrett

Papier-mâché 10.5 x 6.5 inches 2020

This gift to Justice Amy Coney Barrett can be worn as a reminder of whose place she fills with hope that Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s sense of integrity and honor will transmute. “Be just and fear not; Let all the ends thou aim’st at be they country’s, Thy God’s, and truth’s.

William Shakespeare, “Henry VIII”

Tamara Wasserman

Oak Park , IL paperboatart.com @wassermantamara

DISOBEY!

Paper, magnets, acrylic paint, thread 65 x 45 inches 2020

DISOBEY! is a wall collage constructed out of paper shapes that are

stitched and glued together. The work developed from the current political situation and it was shaped by the Black Lives Matter protests currently happening in many US cities. Here is the concept: When one person disobeys a system, that person can be easily arrested. When 10 or 100 people disobey a system, they can be arrested as well. However in a situation when thousands and millions protest and disobey a certain system, not much can be done about it and sooner or later the system is doomed to change or crack. This piece reminds us not to underestimate “strength in numbers”. Political history is based on the “Strength in numbers” phenomenon.

At first glance this wall collage seems almost abstract. However at a closer look the viewer will notice a face, an arm, or a breast. As the viewer spends more time in front of this “cut-out”, he or she will uncover many more figures, faces, bodies, some of them barely hinted, some more defined. There are eyes, hands, faces, shirts, beaks, and a screaming mouth. The artist made sure that this wall collage is not completely balanced. It is actually almost unbalanced.

That was done in order to evoke the constantly changing balance inside the crowd at the time of a protest, similar to a volatile political situation that is in a constant flux. The artist used just a few colors in this piece. These are mainly reds, blacks and whites. Each one of these colors is used both artistically and symbolically.

Tamara Wasserman

Oak Park , IL paperboatart.com @wassermantamara

Superwoman

Oil on canvas 36 x 48 inches 2010

SUPERWOMAN dwells on a woman’s life journey. I think it resonates

with the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This painting was inspired by a photograph of a French writer Marguerite Yourcenar.

The features kept changing as the painting evolved. They started to resemble different people the artist encountered in her life. This painting is a reflection on a woman’s journey through life and history.